IT’S A BEST BUY BECAUSE:

BUT…

Acceleration is so-so with the base 1.4-liter engine, the 2.4-liter’s 9-speed automatic transmission is slow to downshift, and rear-seat legroom is a bit tight for adults.

WORTH NOTING:

The Renegade is available with a unique “My Sky” dual-pane sunroof; both front and rear panels may be manually removed for an open-air feel, and on Latitude and Limited models the forward panel is also power-retractable like a typical sunroof.

WHAT IS IT?

Renegade is Jeep’s subcompact-sized SUV. It shares its basic platform (and an Italian assembly plant) with the Fiat 500X, but it has more-rugged, “Jeep-esque” styling inside and out, and it offers off-road-oriented 4WD systems. Trim levels ascend through Sport, Latitude, and Limited models in FWD or 4WD, along with a 4WD-only Trailhawk model that slots in below the 4WD Limited. The off-road-ready Trailhawk has a raised ride height, tow hooks in the front and rear bumpers, hill-descent control, all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and unique trim. Heated mirrors, a heated steering wheel, keyless access and starting, and a touchscreen navigation system are among Renegade’s available features. Available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear-obstacle detection, rear cross-path detection, rearview camera with dynamic grid lines, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning.

WHAT’S NEW?

FUEL ECONOMY

With the base 1.4-liter engine and its mandatory 6-speed manual transmission, the Renegade is EPA-rated at 24 mpg city/31 highway with either front-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive. With the available 2.4-liter/9-speed automatic powertrain, the EPA rates the Renegade at 22 mpg city/30 highway with FWD and 21/29 with 4WD. In Consumer Guide® testing, a 4WD Renegade Latitude with the 1.4-liter engine averaged 24.4 mpg in 70-percent city driving, and a Trailhawk averaged 21.6 mpg in 60-percent city driving.

VALUE IN CLASS

The Renegade’s spunky styling, off-road potential, eye-grabbing paint-color palette, and broad range of personalization options make it stand out from the subcompact SUV pack, but its appeal doesn’t stop there. It also boasts a sturdy, nicely assembled interior, surprisingly refined on-road handling, and respectable cargo versatility. Renegade can’t quite match the best in the class in terms of acceleration or fuel-efficiency, but it’s still a subcompact SUV must-see.